ITC launches an online system to monitor vehicles transporting hazardous materials

Abu Dhabi – The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport announced the launch of an online system that monitors vehicles transporting hazardous materials, in aim of reinforcing road safety and security through constant surveillance and control over these vehicles.

This announcement is in line with the efforts dedicated to meet the requirements of the Integrated Hazardous Material Management System and Abu Dhabi’s governance system. Additionally, it is part of projects and programs implemented within the strategic plan to manage hazardous materials in the Emirate. This is realized through a collaboration with a team presided by the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, and includes 28 entities representing all local entities and some federal authorities. They all work together to achieve the highest levels of security to provide a safe and sustainable environment for everyone.

ITC stated that the new online system allows the identification of the transported materials in which enhances monitoring hazardous materials and wastes transport and ensure quick reposnding to emergencies. The system supports the efforts aiming at providing the best methods to protect society and the environment, in accordance with the procedures and requirements stipulated by the Abu Dhabi Integrated Hazardous Material Management System. The purpose of which is ensuring the commitment of facilities that are in charge of handling, producing, storing, transporting, and using said materials, while adhering to environmental procedures, requirements, and stipulations which provide the appropriate level of protection to society, road users, and environment. 

H.E. Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police, visited ITC during the launch of the online system to monitor vehicles transporting hazardous materials. He stated that the online system is a leap towards enhancing cooperation and integration between the stakeholders to achieve the highest levels of traffic safety and security in Abu Dhabi. He also added that the system reinforces the competence of governmental work, and the digital transformation in Abu Dhabi as well as utilizing advanced technology in serving society and establishing a safe and convenient transport for everyone. Moreover, proficient management of the vehicles tracking contributes to preserving lives and properties.

ITC said that the Integrated Hazardous Material Management System enables the surveillance of vehicles movement through tracking and censoring devices installed on vehicles which are connected through communicative technologies with programs and a central database of the system. This acts in support of ITC and the its stakeholders in monitoring vehicles’ movements and dealing with emergency in the utmost possible way. The new system also provides the possibility of locating vehicles and supervising drivers’ adherence to traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, it analyzes data related to vehicle movement and acquiring performance indicators of fleet operators and drivers. The system provides characteristics which consist of automatic updating of vehicles, notifications on real-time events, providing a census of vehicles in a particular area, and tracking vehicle’s log while identifying its speed, location, and status.

In this regard, ITC called upon companies and entities working in transporting hazardous materials and wastes, to install and run online surveillance devices in vehicles, and connecting them to the online system of monitoring hazardous materials. ITC also explained that companies and entities operating within this field require a permit from Abu Dhabi’s Civil Defense Authority. Acquiring said permit is conditional upon a certificate from ITC stating that the online device has been installed. Provided that these devices, its operation, and maintenance is in accordance with the approved technical requirements. ITC has also confirmed that all procedures related to the service and certified supplying companies are listed in details on the online website of ITC www.itc.gov.ae – Freight transport section.

In compliance with ITC’s strategic plan to establish a safe and sustainable transport system which facilitates transport and preserves the safety and security of road users, the team in charge of monitoring vehicles transporting hazardous materials at ITC, has requested from drivers and entities responsible for freight transport to exercise the utmost discretion when transporting said materials, and to completely adhere to the requirements of transport in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which in turn maintains the safety of road users and prevents any incidents that could result in negative implications to the safety and security of society and the environment.

It is worth noting the extreme importance of the safe management of hazardous materials, which consists of pesticides, fertilizers, chemical, toxic, inflammable, and explosive materials. The mismanagement of said materials whether through the process of production, storage, transport, usage, or disposal, could result in serious implications that threatens the safety of residents, properties, and the environment.

© Press Release 2021